As soon as China set up a protected area on Huangyan Island, a conflict broke out in the South China Sea. While the Philippines protested against our actions, the Fujian ship had already sailed into the South China Sea. So, why did China set up a protected area on Huangyan Island? What does the emergence of the Fujian ship mean?
On the morning of September 10, a US military MQ-4C unmanned reconnaissance aircraft took off from Okinawa, turned off the signal and quietly approached Huangyan Island. It itself is the most advanced maritime reconnaissance equipment of the US military, which can detect key targets such as missile positions at long distances. The United States' purpose is very obvious, which is to explore the reality and reality as soon as possible after setting up a protected area in China.
In this case, the PLA radar immediately locked the target, and then sent several batches of military aircraft to intercept and launched an electronic confrontation. According to external reports, the US military drone had signal abnormalities many times, and the flight data was interfered with, and eventually they could only return in a mess. This is different from previous interceptions, where China no longer simply forces it to turn, but demonstrates electronic warfare methods. The US military's reconnaissance operation failed, but it also gave the outside world a signal: they have begun to worry about China's next move on Huangyan Island.
The reason why Huangyan Island has become the focus is because of its extremely high geographical location and potential value. As part of the Zhongsha Islands, Huangyan Island is both a natural fishing ground and an important safe haven. More importantly, it has the conditions to become a maritime frontier base in the future. The US side is aware of this, so after China approved the construction of the protected area, it was eager to send state-of-the-art drones to spy on intelligence. Compared with the past, simply under the banner of "freedom of navigation", the US's reconnaissance is more targeted now, and it is obvious that Huangyan Island has been regarded as a key point in China's strategic territory.
The day before the reconnaissance operation, the US Secretary of Defense took the initiative to call the Chinese Secretary of Defense and expressed his desire for conflict. This inconsistent attitude shows that the United States itself is guilty. On the one hand, he is unwilling to give up his presence in the South China Sea, and on the other hand, he is worried that the situation will escalate. Telephone communication is essentially a preventive measure, and the US is aware that the mission of the reconnaissance aircraft is extremely risky. The PLA's interception method also confirms this. China did not rashly shoot down the other side, but chose to use interference and drive away to express its attitude, which not only avoided direct military confrontation, but also clearly sent a signal to the US that China's control over Huangyan Island cannot be challenged.
As for the Philippines, its role is more like a cooperator. Recently, the Marcos government has provoked many times on the Renai Reef issue, but failed to get a good deal, but was firmly suppressed by China. The United States sent reconnaissance planes close to Huangyan Island at this time, obviously also to "support" the Philippines.
Just after China set up a protected area, the Philippines expressed strong protests and brought the so-called "sovereignty" claim to the international stage. In response to this, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearly responded that Huangyan Island is China's inherent territory and the establishment of a protected area is entirely China's internal affairs. To put it bluntly, the so-called claims of the Philippines are neither supported by international treaties nor lack factual basis. Since China actually controlled Huangyan Island in 2012, it has repeatedly shown its indisputable sovereignty over the region. The establishment of protected areas is not only an ecological protection measure, but also a reflection of legal and administrative jurisdiction.
Under this background, the Fujian ship sailed into the South China Sea. As China's first catapult aircraft carrier, the Fujian ship has entered the final stage after several sea tests. This trip to the South China Sea through the Taiwan Strait is not only a scientific research experiment, but also a strategic signal. It shows that China's aircraft carrier formation is gradually forming complete combat effectiveness, and the South China Sea is an important direction for future aircraft carrier activities. After the establishment of a protected area on Huangyan Island, the emergence of the Fujian ship highlighted China's determination and strength to safeguard its rights and interests in the South China Sea.
In general, the establishment of the Huangyan Island Reserve is a strategic initiative. It is not a single environmental protection measure, but a combination of multi-dimensional actions. Respond to international accusations through ecological protection, strengthen sovereignty through legal measures, and consolidate control through military existence. The protests in the Philippines cannot change the reality, and the temptations in the United States have been effectively curbed. In the future, as the Fujian ship gradually forms combat effectiveness, China's advantages in the South China Sea will be further expanded.
It can be foreseeable that China's next step may be to continue to promote the construction of similar protected areas on other islands and reefs in the South China Sea, such as Ren'ai Reef, Zhongye Island, etc. Once these measures are implemented, the governance of the South China Sea will be systematic and China's sovereignty exercise will be more comprehensive and solid. For external forces, their provocations will only make China accelerate its action and cannot stop the established direction.
